The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting theDISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

FIRST LIEUTENANT JOSEPH P. DONOVAN

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set fort in the following

CITATION:

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flightwhile serving with Marine Medium
Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen,
First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat
opera- tions against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.
On 17 March 1969, First Lieutenant Donovan launched as Pilot
of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical
evacuation of nine Marines from an area near Marble Mountain
in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the friendly unit's position,
he was informed UH-1E helicopter gunships were
needed to suppress the enemy fire. After the supporting
gunships arrived and attacked the suspected enemy
positions around the landing zone, First Lieutenant Donovan
commenced his approach and encountered an intense volume of hostile
fire. Skillfully directing the fire of his crew upon the enemy
positions, he was instrumental in suppressing the hostile fire and subsequently
successfully landed the aircraft. Moments later, the landing zone
came under a heavy volume of mortar fire and First Lieutenant Donovan was
forced to depart. Continuing to direct the suppressive
fire of his crew after the gunships conducted additional strafing
runs to the intense hostile fire, he landed his helicopter and, although
dangerously exposed to the intense hostile fire, resolutely
maintained his position until the casualties were embarked before departing
the area. His bold initiative and superb airmanship inspired all
who observed him and contributed significantly
to the accomplishment of the mission. First Lieutenant
Donovan's courage, superior aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion
to duty in the face of great personal danger were
in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine
Corps and of the United States Naval Service."